Managing Urinary Incontinence Course

Managing Urinary Incontinence – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces urinary incontinence and the knowledge needed to support people experiencing bladder control difficulties. It explores different types of incontinence, possible causes, risk factors, assessment methods, treatment options and practical approaches to providing care. The course takes approximately one hour and is designed to support awareness, knowledge development and good practice in healthcare and social care settings. It is CPD accredited and includes an end-of-course quiz.

Please note: this course provides introductory and awareness-level knowledge of managing urinary incontinence. It does not replace practical, clinical or role-specific training, assessment or supervision that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• The meaning of urinary incontinence and related terminology
• Stress, urge, overflow, total and other types of incontinence
• Lower urinary tract symptoms
• Common causes and risk factors for urinary incontinence
• The relationship between medicines and incontinence
• When to seek medical advice and urgent medical attention
• Bladder diaries, continence assessments, tests and examinations
• Non-surgical treatments and surgical interventions
• Incontinence products and continence aids
• Catheterisation
• Caring for a person experiencing urinary incontinence
• Assisting with toileting and maintaining personal hygiene
• Practical guidance for carers supporting people with incontinence

Who is it for?
This course is intended for healthcare and social care professionals who support people experiencing urinary incontinence in settings such as hospitals, care homes, community care services and general practices. It may be suitable for:
• Registered nurses and community nurses
• Continence nurses and other nursing professionals
• Healthcare assistants and support workers
• Care home staff and managers
• Occupational therapists and physiotherapists
• General practitioners and practice nurses
• Social care workers
• Staff undertaking induction, refresher training or knowledge enhancement

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of different types of urinary incontinence and their possible causes
• Recognise common risks and concerns associated with incontinence
• Understand available assessment methods and treatment approaches
• Support personal hygiene, toileting and appropriate continence care
• Promote dignity, independence and individual needs when providing support
• Develop awareness of sensitive communication with individuals and their families
• Recognise when medical advice, reporting or escalation may be necessary
• Strengthen knowledge for workplace induction, refresher learning and continuing professional development

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the main principles and terminology associated with urinary incontinence
• Identify common types of incontinence and their possible causes
• Recognise relevant risk factors and concerns
• Understand the purpose of bladder diaries and continence assessments
• Describe available non-surgical treatments, surgical interventions and incontinence products
• Understand appropriate approaches to toileting assistance, hygiene and personal care
• Recognise when medical advice or urgent attention may be needed
• Communicate sensitively about incontinence-related concerns
• Understand their responsibilities and role boundaries when supporting people with incontinence
• Apply relevant good-practice principles to promote safer and more consistent care

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. Unlimited assessment retakes are available, and successful learners receive a free CPD-accredited certificate that can be downloaded or printed at home. A hard copy can also be requested. The course takes approximately one hour and is suitable for self-paced online learning.